My gaze slides to Bronte, who’s watching everything with a deep furrow between her brows. She considers me with a sweep of her eyes.

“You’re alliance with my father? Does this create problems for you?” Nadir asks, and Bronte’s mouth presses together.

“I’m allied with your father in the way a mouse might befriend a lion, hoping to avoid its jaws.”

“You’re no mouse,” I answer, and she laughs, her grey eyes sparkling.

“Perhaps, but our realms border one another, and it’s always been prudent not to ruffle Rion’s feathers.” She pauses. “But I have no true loyalty to him.”

“So will you help us?” Nadir asks before Bronte turns her attention to me.

“Little queen, I’m not sure what to make of any of this or of you, for that matter, but I will destroy the ark. I want no part of anything created by the Lord of the Underworld. Beyond that, I promise you nothing, but if you’re all heading north—well, I just happen to be going that way too.”

CHAPTER 48

NADIR

After our discussion with the rulers, Cedar, Bronte, and Cyan agree to destroy their arks in the morning once they’ve had some rest and have the full force of their power. We’ll do it inside the ruined walls of Heart, hoping to contain any catastrophic blowback. I’m not sure what we’ll do about D’Arcy yet. This endeavor is an all-or-nothing proposition. Maybe we can convince her yet.

Amya and Mael will also head out once we’re done, returning to the Keep to discover anything useful, including where Father is keeping the ark.

The kings and queens who have agreed to join us will travel north in our company. I’m not surprised that D’Arcy declined to help us—she’s never been one to get in the middle of anyone’s affairs, even to her own detriment, but I’m grateful for the help we have.

I don’t know how anyone could hear Lor’s story or see the plea in her eyes and turn away.

It’s late by the time we’re finished talking, and Lor and I retreat to our room overlooking the Heart Castle. When I exit the bathroom, she’s staring out the window, and I can practically see a million thoughts swirling around her head in the tense set of her shoulders.

I walk over and circle my arms around her waist, pressing my chin into the curve of her throat. Her hands slide over mine as she leans back and looks up at me.

“Nadir. We have to talk about the bonding and the final condition Cloris shared with us.”

I sigh and let her go, rubbing a hand down my face and heading for the fire, bracing my hands on the mantel and dropping my head.